United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Fuel Adjustment Clause Prohibition Act of 1979 - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to prohibit electric and gas utilities from increasing rates (to reflect increases in fuel or natural gas costs incurred by such utilities) pursuant to a rate schedule provision providing for such increases, without a prior evidentiary hearing. Prescribes enforcement procedures and provides for civil penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to provide that an individual may work without being considered as having engaged in substantial gainful activity, and thus forfeiting disability status, if such individual's earnings are at a rate that does not exceed the amount specified by this Act. Excludes from an individual's income, for purposes of determining eligibility for benefits under such title, an amount equal to the expenses which such individual incurs in earning income.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Authorizes the expenditure of funds not to exceed $860,000 for investigations and studies conducted by the Committee on House Administration. Declares that no part of these funds shall be available for expenditure in connection with the study of any subject which is being investigated by any other House committee. States that the authorization granted by this resolution shall expire on January 3, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Defense Economic Adjustment Act - States the purpose of this Act to be to provide advance planning for effective conversion of defense-related industries to productive civilian activity and to provide economic adjustment assistance to affected communities, industries, and workers which may be substantially and seriously affected by reductions in defense expenditures. Title I: Defense Economic Adjustment Council - Establishes a Defense Economic Adjustment Council in the Executive Office of the President, membership to include Cabinet officers, representatives of the business-management community, and representatives of labor union organizations. Defines the duties of the Council, including: (1) encouraging preparation of plans for civilian-oriented public projects; (2) supervising the establishment of a Job Information Bank in the Department of Labor to coordinate State, local and Federal employment services; (3) preparing lists of organizations and consultants engaged in civilian-oriented activity for use by local conversion committees; and (4) preparing and distributing a Conversion Guidelines Handbook. Title II: Alternative Use Committees - Establishes local Alternative Use Committees to undertake economic conversion planning and preparation in the event of reductions in defense spending resulting in substantial and serious unemployment. Provides a fund for performing these duties to be derived from the military contract or base operating costs. Title III: Economic Adjustment Fund - Provides for establishment in the Treasury of a Workers Economic Adjustment Reserve Trust Fund. Requires defense contractors to pay to the Fund an amount equal to one and a quarter percent per year of their gross revenue. Title IV: Economic Adjustment Assistance for Workers - Requires that all displacements in defense related facilities affecting more than five percent of the workers be reported to the State employment office or agency acting as agent for administration of employees' benefits programs. Provides eligible workers with two year entitlement to the following applicable benefits: (1) compensation on a weekly basis to maintain an income equal to 90 percent of the first $20,000 per year and 50 percent of the next $5,000 in excess of $20,000; (2) vested pension credit; (3) maintenance of hospital, surgical, medical, disability, and life insurance coverage; (4) retraining for civilian work; and (5) necessary relocation expenses. Requires all managerial and technical employees who have spent more than 50 percent of the ten years preceding implementation of the plan to participate in a professional retraining program in order to be eligible for benefits. Authorizes the Council to reimburse a State or administering agency (acting as agent of the Council) for all benefits paid. Title V: Use of Certain Research Funds - Amends the Defense Authorization Act of 1970 to expand kinds of independent research and development which can be funded in a defense contract to include projects which the Council believes have a potential relationship to an urgent national requirement in a designated non-defense sector. Title VI: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes the appropriation of sums which may be necessary to carry out provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Title I: Improvements in Adjustment Assistance for Workers - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the Secretary of Labor to reconsider any denial of adjustment assistance for workers separated from employment up to 18 months before a petition for such assistance was granted. Authorizes workers separated from employment between October 31, 1974, and November 1, 1977, who previously did not file a petition for certification of eligibility for adjustment assistance, to file such a petition for consideration by the Secretary. Authorizes the filing of such petitions by the Secretary on behalf of any group of workers, as well as by a group of workers or their representative. Requires the Secretary to certify a group of workers as eligible to apply for adjustment assistance if: (1) sales or production at their place of employment decrease or threaten to decrease due to increased imports; or (2) (a) at least 25 percent of the total sales or production of their firm consists of providing articles or services to an import-impacted firm, and (b) a significant number of workers have been or may be separated due to a decrease or threatened decrease of sales or production of articles or services for such an import-impacted firm. Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide information to the Secretary of Commerce regarding petitions for adjustment assistance filed by workers when the workers' firm has also filed for such assistance. Stipulates that no adjustment assistance shall be provided a worker until sales or production at the worker's firm have decreased absolutely. Provides for trade readjustment allowances to be made to workers who: (1) had been employed at least 26 weeks in the year prior to separation or 40 weeks in the two years prior to separation; and (2) were part of a group certified as eligible for such assistance. Extends the time during which certain workers can continue to receive readjustment allowances. Directs the Secretary to establish experimental training programs for workers displaced by import competition. Requires the Secretary to report with recommendations to Congress by March 1, 1982, concerning the effectiveness of such training programs. Authorizes appropriations for such programs through fiscal year 1981. Increases the job search allowances and relocation allowances provided adversely affected workers. Revises the conditions for such allowances. Title II: Improvements in Adjustment Assistance to Firms - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to certify firms, whose sales or production decrease or threaten to decrease due to increased imports, as eligible for adjustment assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to certify as eligible for such assistance those firms where at least 25 percent of their sales go to an import-impacted firm and significant numbers of workers have been or may be separated due to a decrease or threatened decrease of sales or production of articles or services for such an import-impacted firm. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to share information provided by firms petitioning for certification with the Secretary of Labor. Prohibits any assistance to firms until sales or production have decreased absolutely. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to provide technical assistance to firms preparing proposals for adjustment assistance. Increases the proportion of the cost the Secretary will bear for technical assistance furnished to firms through private individuals, firms, or institutions. Authorizes the Secretary to contract to pay to, or on behalf of, a borrower an amount to reduce the interest such borrower must pay on financial assistance loans guaranteed pursuant to this Act. Revises the conditions for financial assistance to adversely affected firms. Title III: General Provisions - Establishes a Commerce-Labor Adjustment Action Committee to coordinate the economic adjustment responsibilities of the Departments of Commerce and Labor and other Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants to unions and employee organizations concerning the design of an effective program of trade adjustment assistance for workers. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) make grants for industry-wide programs designed to improve economic efficiency; and (2) study those industries threatened by import competition.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Asbestos School Hazard Detection and Control Act of 1979 - States the purposes of this Act to be to: (1) establish a Federal task force to ascertain the extent of the danger from asbestos materials in schools to children or employees; (2) require States to establish programs for asbestos inspection in schools; (3) provide scientific and technical assistance to States and local school boards; (4) provide loans for the mitigation of serious asbestos hazards in schools; and (5) assure that no disciplinary action be taken against employees for calling attention to such hazards. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish an Asbestos Hazards Schools Safety Task Force within 30 days of enactment. States that the duties of such Task Force shall include: (1) preparing educational materials; (2) compiling and disseminating medical, scientific, and technical materials to State and local entities; (3) reviewing and approving State plans for loans and reimbursements; (4) establishing criteria for levels of asbestos hazards in schools; and (5) making recommendations to the Secretary for technical assistance grants. Requires States to submit an asbestos safety plan no later than September 1, 1979. States that such plan shall include: (1) a timetable for identifying imminent asbestos health hazards; (2) a description of the procedures to be used to locate and identify such hazards; (3) a timetable for the removal of such hazards; (4) procedures for recordkeeping; and (5) the identification of a State agency to prepare and administer such plan. Establishes an Asbestos Hazards Detection Fund in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires all companies engaged in the mining, manufacture, or importation of asbestos between 1946 and 1972 to make payments to such fund. Requires such companies to make available to the Secretary: (1) an audit of the amount of asbestos produced in the period 1946-1972; (2) a description of the products and their use; and (3) other information the Secretary may require. Authorizes the Secretary and the Attorney General of the United States to subpena such records. Provides that local governmental units responsible for the administration and safety of schools may be reimbursed for up to one half of their asbestos hazards detection expenses. Directs the Secretary to determine those costs that are reimbursable. Authorizes contributors to such funds, upon approval by the Secretary, to provide asbestos testing services in lieu of up to 50 percent of their financial contribution. Authorizes the Secretary to allocate up to 20 percent of such asbestos detection funds for use in education and technical assistance programs. Requires recipients of such asbestos detection funds to file a report with the Secretary describing detection and testing activities undertaken, the results, and the plan for correcting any discovered asbestos hazards. Establishes an Asbestos Hazards Control Loan Program in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Stipulates that loans from such program shall be: (1) available only to correct imminent asbestos hazards in schools to school children or school employees; (2) limited to projects covering more than 2,500 square feet; (3) for a period not exceeding 20 years; and (4) interest free. Requires applications for such loans to describe: (1) the nature of the asbestos problem; (2) the results of preliminary testing; and (3) the methods to be used to correct such problem. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the appropriate House and Senate committees regarding such loan program. Stipulates that the United States be subrogated to any legal rights to recover on any such loans. Prohibits any such loans to be made without such stipulation. Directs the Secretary to promulgate and distribute to the States safety standards and procedures for testing the level of asbestos in schools and for determining the likelihood of the leakage of asbestos into the school environment. Stipulates that no employer receiving funds under this Act shall discriminate against or discipline any worker who focuses public attention on an asbestos problem in his or her school district. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall restrict any other legal rights in connection with the purchase or installation of asbestos materials in schools, or with any claim or disability or death from exposure to asbestos in a school setting.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Excludes from the Federal law limiting and restricting the corporate powers of national banking associations to deal in and underwrite investment securities, specified dealings in and underwriting of all other nongeneral obligations issued or guaranteed by or on behalf of a State or any political subdivision thereof or agency of a State or any political subdivision thereof (except special assessment obligations and industrial revenue bonds) which are at the time eligible for purchase by a national bank for its own account, subject to specified limitations. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to submit an annual report to the Congress showing the extent to which the business of underwriting and dealing in State and local obligations is being carried on by commercial banks as compared with other banking institutions with a view to determining the effect of the amendment made by the first section of this Act on the institutional distribution of such business.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1979
Citizen Protection Act of 1978 - Requires a subpoena duces tecum for the search and seizure of evidence when anyone acting under color of law has probable cause to believe evidence of a crime is located on or about premises in which the person in possession of the evidence has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Permits issuance of a search warrant instead of a subpoena duces tecum only if there is probable cause to believe: (1) the person in possession of the evidence may be involved in the crime under investigation; or (2) the evidence sought to be seized would be destroyed, hidden, or moved if the subpoena duces tecum procedures set out in this Act were followed. Creates a cause of action for any person injured by a violation of this Act. Allows punitive damages of up to $10,000 for each violation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1979
Declares the public policy of the United States to prohibit the manufacture, sale, interstate shipment, and use of leg-hold and steel-jaw traps in the United States and abroad. Prohibits the shipment into interstate or foreign commerce of fur or leather products which come from animals trapped in any State or foreign country which has not banned such traps. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to publish a list of States and foreign countries which have not banned the manufacture, sale, and use of leg-hold and steel-jaw traps. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1979
Parental Kidnapping Act of 1979 - Requires appropriate State authorities to give full faith and credit to a child custody determination by a court of another State which has jurisdiction and meets specified conditions. Authorizes a State court with jurisdiction to modify a custody determination of another State court which no longer has or has declined to exercise jurisdiction. Amends title IV (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of the Social Security Act to include as a function of the Parent Locator Service the provision of information to authorized persons about any absent parent or child for the enforcement of a child custody determination or with regard to parental kidnapping. Prohibits the intentional restraint of a child in violation of any other persons' right of custody or visitation arising from: (1) a State custody determination; (2) a valid written agreement between the child's parents, foster parents, or guardians; or (3) a parental or guardian relationship. Specifies (1) the jurisdictional basis for such offense, including the willful transportation of a child in interstate commerce, and (2) Federal investigation procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1979
Intergovernmental Antirecession and Supplementary Fiscal Assistance Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Public Works Employment Act of 1976 to add to the congressional findings under such Act that both an antirecession fiscal assistance program and a supplementary fiscal assistance program which aid governments requiring fiscal relief are essential elements of a sound Federal fiscal policy. Extends the authorization of appropriations for antirecession fiscal assistance through September 30, 1980. Provides for the suspension of such assistance in certain circumstances if the unemployment rate does not exceed six percent. Amends such Act to require the Secretary of Labor to calculate the unemployment rate for specified units of local governments, within or encompassing standard metropolitan statistical areas, using the population survey methodology used prior to January 1, 1978, if such rates are higher than under the current methodology. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to reallocate any undistributed excess amounts among the States and local governments proportionately. Repeals the requirement that States and local governments file statements with the Secretary containing certain reporting assurances. Authorizes the Secretary to make supplemental payments to local governments whose allocation would be reduced as a result of calculating unemployment rates by a new formula. Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide the Secretary of Commerce with necessary information and to determine unemployment rates for each State and local government. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to pay supplementary fiscal assistance to local governments with unemployment rates above six percent whenever the unemployment rate for the United States is five percent or more. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance through September 30, 1980. Provides for the suspension of such assistance if antirecession fiscal assistance is being paid or U.S. unemployment rates are less than five percent. Specifies the formula to be used in determining payments under this Act. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to combine certain supplementary payments with the general revenue sharing payment and make a single payment to the local governmental unit. Provides for the reallocation of any undistributed excess amounts among the local governmental units proportionately. Requires local governments receiving supplementary fiscal assistance to comply with those provisions applicable to antirecession fiscal assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to provide that the duty to bargain collectively includes bargaining with respect to retirement benefits for retired employees.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Permits taxpayers to designate on their income tax returns whether they wish to contribute any portion of their income tax refund or make any additional contribution to the support of either the arts or the humanities. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to amend income tax return forms to provide a notice to taxpayers of their option to contribute. Authorizes the payment of 50 percent of taxpayer refunds or contributions designated for the arts to the National Endowment for the Arts and 50 percent to State Art Agencies. Specifies purposes for which such funds may be used and imposes restrictions on the use of such funds for administrative purposes or for research projects. Treats payments of funds to State agencies as donations from private persons and not as Federal assistance. Authorizes the payment of 80 percent of taxpayer refunds or contributions designated for the humanities to the National Endowment for the Humanities and 20 percent to State Humanities Entities. Specifies purposes for which such funds may be used and imposes restrictions on the use of such funds for administrative purposes or for research projects. Treats payments of funds to State Humanities Entities as donations from private persons and not as Federal assistance. Prohibits any Endowment or agency to which funds are paid under this Act from requiring any applicant for funds to raise additional funds or meet any matching requirements. Prohibits the use of funds raised by this Act to make grants to any institutions which hold such funds for investment. Limits the amount of funds which any institution may receive under this Act according to a specified percentage of the institution's operating budget.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Radioactive Waste Management Act of 1978 - Requires the Secretary of Energy, before investigating any site for construction of a radioactive waste storage facility, to notify each chamber of the concerned State legislature and publish notice of such investigation in the Federal Register. Requires notice to State legislatures of decisions and contracts for the construction of such facilities. Allows a 120-day period for disapproval of construction by the affected State's legislature or by statewide referendum.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Sound Recording Performance Rights Amendment - Amends the copyright law to give the owner of a sound recording copyright the exclusive right to perform or authorize the performance of the copyrighted work publicly. Exempts specified educational, religious, literary, and governmental performances of sound recordings from copyright infringements. Limits further the exclusive right of the owner of copyrights in sound recordings of specified kinds of works to the right to perform publicly all or any part of the actual sounds fixed in such recordings. Stipulates that the exclusive right to perform publicly, by means of a phonorecord, a copyrighted literary, musical, or dramatic work, and to perform publicly a copyrighted sound recording are separate and independent rights under this Act. Subjects the exclusive performance right in a sound recording to compulsory licensing if phonorecords of such recording have been distributed to the public under the authority of the copyright owner. Sets forth the requirements for obtaining such license. Establishes the royalty rates or payments for broadcast stations based on gross receipts of advertising sponsors, and gives the compulsory licensee the option of computing such royalty fees on either a prorated or blanket basis. Directs that royalty fees shall be deposited by the Register of Copyrights in the United States Treasury and invested by the Secretary of the Treasury in interest-bearing United States securities. Establishes the procedure for the distribution of royalties to persons claiming entitlement to compulsory license fees. Exempts certain broadcast stations and transmitters which publicly perform a copyrighted sound recording from liability for infringement and compulsory licensing requirements if the gross receipts of such stations are less than specified amounts. Stipulates that if an owner of a copyright authorizes the public distribution of material objects that reproduce such copyrighted sounds but do not include any accompanying motion picture, a compulsory licensee shall be freed from further liability for infringement for the public performance of such sounds. Directs the Copyright Royalty Tribunal to retain the services of one or more private, nongovernmental entities to monitor and value sound recording performances, distribute royalty funds to recipients, and perform other functions deemed necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Authorizes funds to be paid out of the contingent fund of the House of Representatives for the period beginning January 3, 1979, and ending March 31, 1979 for the standing and select committees of the House and for any former select committee of the House which was established by resolution during the 95th Congress and for which a reestablishing resolution is introduced in the 96th Congress to be used for the continuation of necessary activities, projects, operations, services, and salaries. States that for each month during the specified period these funds shall be equal to one-twelfth of the total amount authorized for use by such committee during the second session of the 95th Congress. Directs that any unexpended balance of funds from the second session of the 95th Congress for the operation of the former Select Committee on Assassinations shall be available to the Clerk of the House for the purpose of completing the final report of such committee not later than March 31, 1979. Directs that the funds authorized under this resolution shall cease on the effective date of the primary expense resolution adopted with respect to such committee.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Directs that a specified sum be paid from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives as a gratuity to the children of a deceased Representative.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt taxpayers from the payment of interest or a penalty on tax deficiencies attributable to erroneous advice obtained in writing from an Internal Revenue Service Officer or employee acting in an official capacity.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Solar Energy Bank Act - Establishes a Government corporation in the Department of Housing and Urban Development to be known as the Solar Energy Development Bank to make long-term, low-interest loans to encourage the use of solar energy in commercial and residential structures. Sets forth requirements for loan eligibility concerning the term and amount of the loan and necessary warranties for the solar energy systems covered by such loan. Prohibits conflicts of interest on the part of officers or employees of the Bank. Imposes criminal penalties for the furnishing of false or misleading information by applicants for loans under this Act. Establishes a seven-member Advisory Board to make annual reports to Congress and the President on the operation of the program established by this Act. Prohibits subsidy payments under this Act to any person who has received other Federal assistance for purchase and/or installation of energy systems similar to the solar systems assisted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income up to $1,000 ($1,500 for joint returns, $750 for married individuals filing separately) of the interest earned from savings accounts. Reduces the amount of such exclusion, dollar for dollar, by the amount the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds $10,000 ($15,000 for joint returns, $7,500 for married individuals filing separately).
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 to stipulate that any person or employee association which (1) receives any form of assistance from an employer; or (2) undertakes activities to either (A) persuade employees with respect to the rights to organize or bargain collectively, or (B) inform such employers with respect to labor activities, shall be deemed to be undertaking such activity pursuant to an arrangement with such employer and therefore subject to the reporting requirements of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Permits any Federal employee or Member of Congress who, at the time of retirement, does not elect a reduced annuity in order to provide a survivor annuity to a spouse or other person to make such an election within one year after retiring. Requires such employee to refund to the Government an amount equal to the amount such employee's annuity would have been reduced during the period from the date of retirement to the date of election plus interest.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings, Policy, and Definitions - Declares it the purpose of this Act to preserve for the benefit of present and future generations certain lands in the State of Alaska in order to: (1) preserve unrivaled scenic, geologic, and wildlife values; (2) perpetuate significant and diverse eecosystems; (3) protect and preserve cultural values of Native and non-Native people; (4) provide recreation; (5) maintain wilderness resource values; (6) preserve rivers; (7) maintain opportunities for research; and (8) utilize natural resources, consistent with sound ecological principals. Provides that: (1) intangible values should be considered on an equal basis with tangible values; (2) the management policies should cause the least adverse impact possible to people who depend on subsistence uses of resources; (3) the interests of the State of Alaska and the Native Corporations shall be continually considered in carrying out provisions of this Act to maintain a viable economy and provide employment for citizens of Alaska. Title II: National Park System - Designates as units of the National Park System: (1) Ainakchak National Monument; (2) Bering Land Bridge National Monument; (3) Cape Krusenstern National Monument; (4) Gates of the Arctic National Monument; (5) Kenai Fjords National Monument; Kobuk Valley National Monument; (7) Lake Clark National Monument; (8) Noatak National Monument; Wrangell-Saint Elias National Monument; (10) Yukon-Charley National Monument; and (11) Katmai National Monument. Expands and redesignates: (1) Mount McKinley National Park by the addition of Denali National Monument to be redesignated as Denali National Park; and (2) Glacier Bay National Monument by the addition of 40,000 acres to be redesignated as Glacier Bay National Park. Establishes as units of the National Park System: (1) Aniakchak National Preserve; (2) Lake Clark National Preserve; and (3) Noatak National Preserve. Establishes and designates as units of the National Wilderness Preservation System certain lands in: (1) Aniakchak National Park and Preserve; (2) Bering Land Bridge National Park; (3) Cape Krusenstern National Park; (4) Denali National Park; (5) Gates of the Arctic National Park; the Arctic Wilderness; (6) Glacier Bay National Park; (7) Katmai National Park; (8) Kenai Fjords National Park; (9) Kobuk Valley National Park; (10) Lake Clark National Park and Preserve; (11) Noatak National Park; (12)Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park; and (13) Yukon-Charley National Park. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study the nondesignated areas within the boundaries of the National Park System and report to the President and Congress on the suitability of all roadless areas for preservation as wilderness. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer all Alaska lands, waters, and interests in accordance with applicable laws and this Act. Incorporates the redesignated national monuments specified in this Act as part of the appropriate national park. Makes available for the appropriate national park any funds that were available for the corresponding monument. Subjects the portion of the Alaska Railroad right-of-way within Denali National Park to the applicable laws and regulations. Permits the continuation of reindeer grazing within Bering Land Bridge National Park. Prohibits the Secretary, generally, from acting to restrict unreasonably the exercise of valid commercial fishing rights or privileges obtained pursuant to State or Federal law, with respect to the Malaspina Glacier area of Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and the Dry Bay area of Glacier Bay National Park. Title III: National Wildlife Refuge System - Redesignates Becharof National Monument as Becharof National Wildlife Monument and Yukon Flats National Monument as Yukon Flats National Wildlife Monument. Designates as units of the National Wildlife Refuge System: (1) Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge; (2) Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge; (3) Copper River National Wildlife Refuge; (4) Iliamna National Wildlife Refuge; (5) Innoko National Wildlife Refuge; (6) Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge; (7) Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge; (8) Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge; (9) Selawik National Wildlife Refuge; (10) Teshekpuk National Wildlife Refuge; (11) Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge; and (12) Utukok National Wildlife Refuge. Expands the following units of the National Wildlife Refuge System: (1) Arctic National Wildlife Range; (2) Cape Newenham National Wildlife Refuge; (3) Clarence Rhode National Wildlife Range and Hazen Bay National Wildlife Refuge; and (4) Kenai National Moose Range. Designates as wilderness and components of the National Wilderness Preservation System certain lands in: (1) Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge (to be known as Alaska Maritime Wilderness, Aleutian Islands Wilderness, Unimak Wilderness and Semidi Wilderness); (2) Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge (to be known as Pavlof wilderness and Chiginagak Wilderness); (3) Arctic National Wildlife Range; (4) Becharof National Wildlife Monument; (5) Copper River National Wildlife Refuge; (6) Innoko National Wildlife Refuge; (7) Izembek National Wildlife Range; (8) Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge; (9) Kenai National Wildlife Range; (10) Kodiak National Wilderness Refuge; (11) Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge; (12) Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge; (13) Nunivak National Wildlife Refuge; (14) Selawik National Wildlife Refuge; (15) Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge; (16) Togiak National Wildlife Range; (17) Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge (to be known as Andreafsky Wilderness and Kisaralik Wilderness); and (18) Yukon Flats National Wildlife Monument (to be known as Hodzana Wilderness and White Mountain Wilderness). Directs the Secretary of the Interior to review all areas within the National Wildlife Refuge System established or expanded by this Act as to their suitability for preservation as wilderness. Directs the President to advise Congress as to the Secretary of the Interior's recommendations. Declares that all Executive orders and other administrative actions which were in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act will remain in force, except to the extent that they are inconsistent with this Act or the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Makes available for the purposes of any conservation unit established under this Act all funds that were previously available. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer each wildlife refuge subject to valid existing rights and in accordance with applicable law and this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from permitting uses or granting easements in the above-designated refuges which are not compatible with the major purposes of the refuge. Withdraws, subject to valid existing rights, all public lands in each refuge from all forms of appropriation under the mining laws and from operation of the mineral leasing laws. Authorizes the Secretary to permit oil and gas development under a leasing program. Directs the Secretary to undertake to enter into cooperative management agreements with Native Corporations, the State, or persons owning land within or adjacent to a refuge. States that each such agreement shall provide that the land subject to the agreement shall be managed by the owner in a manner compatible with the major purposes of the refuge, and in a manner which will not diminish opportunities for subsistence uses in the refuge. Sets forth terms and conditions for such agreements. States that the Congress finds that barren-ground caribou are a migratory species deserving special protection and that the Western Arctic and Porcupine herds of such caribou are of national and international significance. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the barren-ground caribou herds north of the Yukon River, and, acting through the Secretary of State, to initiate negotiations with the Government of Canada in order to enter into a treaty to protect the Porcupine caribou herd and its habitat. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct an assessment of the bald eagle in the Chilkat River area in order to determine habitat use, dynamics of salmon runs on which the eagles feed, seasonal movement patterns, and effects on the eagle population of developments by man. Directs the Secretary to develop a proposal to conserve bald eagles and other wildlife in the region, insure compatible land uses, provide for land lease agreements to facilitate the proposal. Title IV: National Forest System - Expands as units of the National Forest System the Tongass National Forest and the Chugach National Forest. Designates as wilderness and components of the National Wilderness Preservation System certain lands in: (1) Chugach National Forest, to be known as Nellie Juan Wilderness, College Fjord Wilderness, Red Peak Wilderness, and Tonki Cape Wilderness); (2) Admiralty Island National Monument; (3) Tongass National Forest, (to be known as Endicott Wilderness, Etolin Island Wilderness, Idaho Inlet Wilderness, Karta Wilderness, and King Salmon Capes Wilderness; (4) Misty Fjords National Monument; (5) Tongass National Forest, to be known as Petersburg Creek-Duncan Canal Wilderness, Prince of Wales Wilderness, Rocky Pass Wilderness, Russell Fjord Wilderness, Stikine- LeConte Wilderness, South Baranof Wilderness, Tebenkof Wilderness, Tracy-Arms-Ford Terror Wilderness, and West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness). Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study and report to the President and Congress in accordance with the Wilderness Act recommendations as to the suitability of the Western Prince William Sound for preservation as wilderness. Specifies that the provisions of this Act apply only to the lands within Alaska and nothing in this Act shall be interpreted to expand, diminish, or modify provisions of the Wilderness Act with respect to lands outside of Alaska. Allows the Secretary of Agriculture to permit fishery research, management, enhancement, and rehabilitation activities within national forest wilderness areas designated by this Act in accordance with the goal of restoring and maintaining anadromous fish production in the Tongass National Forest. Sets forth factors to be considered in allowing such activity. Directs that previously existing public use cabins within national forest wilderness may be permitted to continue subject to necessary restrictions deemed to preserve the wilderness character of the area. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to construct and maintain a limited number of new cabins and shelters. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to permit commercial fishery activities within national forest wilderness in accordance with principles of sound fisheries management. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to modify any existing national forest timber sale contracts applying to lands designated by this Act as wilderness by substituting other national forest lands of corresponding quality, quantity, and access, to the extent practicable. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire timber rights to those lands selected for the village of Angoon under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act by purchase or exchange for timber rights elsewhere within the Tongass National Forest. Allows, at the election of the shareholders of Kootznoowoo, Inc., the conveyance of timber rights to lands selected by the corporation to the Secretary of Agriculture, and within one year after such a conveyance the conveyance to Kootznoowoo, Inc. of timber rights which are of equal value to those conveyed to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to designate alternative lands, of equal or greater timber value, for the benefit of Shee Atika, Inc., in satisfaction of the rights of the Natives of Sitka as provided by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Specifies that such lands shall be located in southeast Alaska other than Admiralty Island. Sets forth procedures for conveyance of surface and subsurface rights, and the release of such rights. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to reimburse Shee Atika, Inc., Goldbelt, Inc., and Kootznoowoo, Inc. for reasonable and necessary land selection costs. Specifies that permits issued by the Forest Service, before the enactment of this Act, for a dwelling or campsite in the Admiralty Island National Monument, Misty Fjords National Monument, or any wilderness area, shall expire not later than ten years after the enactment of this Act. Provides a limited exception to such permit expiration for Thayer Lake Lodge. Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to prohibit land conveyed to a Native Corporation pursuant to this Act or the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, which is within a contingency area designated in a U.S. timber sale contract, to be subject to such contract or to entry or timbering by the contractor. Prohibits a timber contractor form entering or cutting timber from land in a contingency area that has been withdrawn or selected by a Native Corporation until such Corporation has received all conveyances. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to improve timber production from high quality timber growing sites in the Tongass National Forest through a program of precommercial thinning. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an insured or guaranteed loan program for purchasers of national forest materials in Alaska to assist such purchasers in the acquisition of equipment to use wood products which might not otherwise be utilized. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a study and report to Congress to identify opportunities to increase timber yields on national forest lands in Alaska, and to reduce inefficient timber uses or waste of national forest produced fiber. Title V: National Wild and Scenic Rivers System - Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act by adding to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System the following rivers (or segments thereof) which are outside the boundaries of other conservation system units: Birch Creek, Colville, Copper, Delta, Etivluk-Nigu, Fortymile, Gulkana, Alagnak, Killik, Nowitna, Stony, Unalakleet, and Yukon (Ramparts section). Adds to the system the following rivers (or segments thereof) which form the boundary of, or are within, any national preserves in Alaska: Aniakchak (including its major tributaries), Chilikadrotna, Mulchatna, Stonu, and Telaquana. Adds to the system portions of the following rivers which form the boundary of, or are within, any national wildlife refuge in Alaska: Nowitna, Porcupine, Sheenjek, Andreafsky, Ivishak, Kanektok, Kisaralik, Wind, Beaver Creek, Copper, Selawik, Squirrel, and Utukok. Requires that detailed boundaries and development plans be established for specified rivers within one to three years of the date of enactment of this Act. Designates the following rivers to be studied for possible inclusion in the system: Holitna-Hoholitna, Ikpikpuk, Koyuk, Kuskokwim, Melozitna, Mulchatna, Nelchina-Tazlina, Nuyakuk, Situk, Susitna. Sets forth time requirements for completion of such studies. Authorizes the Secretary to seek cooperative agreements with the owners of non-Federal lands adjoining rivers which are newly designated units of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Permits the Secretary to establish a river protection zone extending two miles from the banks of such rivers. Withdraws the minerals in Federal lands within the boundaries of such rivers and within each such river protection zone from all forms of appropriation under United States mining laws. Authorizes the Secretary to permit the use of snowmobiles for customary purposes by local residents and by authorized subsistence users, if such use was occurring on or before January 1, 1979. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate regulations to protect the quality and quantity of water in the Wulik River. Allows the Secretary to grant rights-of-way for oil and gas pipelines across the Iditarod Trail or a wild and scenic river when there exists no alternative route. Sets forth the requirements for obtaining a permit for an oil or gas pipeline. Title VI: Federal-State Coordination - Establishes the Alaska Advisory Coordinating Council, cochaired by the Secretary of the Interior and the Governor of Alaska and composed of the Alaska field directors of the Federal land managing and planning agencies; the Commissioners of the Alaska Departments of Natural Resources, Fish and Game, and Environmental Conservation; and representatives from a Village Corporation and a Regional Corporation. Requires that all Council meetings be open to the public, with at least 15 days prior notice in the Federal Register and in newspapers of general circulation in Alaska. Directs the Council to conduct studies and advise the Secretary, other Federal agencies, the State, and Native Corporations regarding land and resource uses in Alaska, including natural resource management, economic development, and other land administration programs. Authorizes the Council to recommend cooperative planning and management zones where the management of lands or resources of one member materially affects another. Authorizes Federal members of the Council to enter into cooperative agreements with Federal agencies, with State and local agencies, and with Native Corporations for mutual consultation, review, and coordination of resource management plans within such zones. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical and other assistance to landowners whose lands or resources are subject to a cooperative agreement, for fire control, trespass control, law enforcement, resource use, and planning. States that such assistance may be provided without reimbursement if the Secretary determines that doing so would further the purposes of the cooperative agreement and would be in the public interest. Provides that the Council will terminate in ten years, unless extended by Congress. Directs the Council to establish a citizens' advisory committee of land-use advisors. Establishes the Alaska Land Bank Program to facilitate the coordinated management and protection of Federal, State, and Native and other private lands. Authorizes certain private landowners to enter into agreements with the Secretary for ten years, with five year renewal periods, concerning the management of the affected lands. Sets forth required terms of such agreements, as well as benefits to private landowners. Provides, as to Native corporations and other persons or groups that have received or will receive lands or interests therein pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act on this title, immunity from adverse possession, Federal and State taxation, and judgment in any action at law or equity to recover sums owed or penalties incurred by any Native Corporation, or any officer, director, or stockholder of any such Corporation. Title VII: Subsistence - Declares the first priority of this Act to be consumptive uses of fishing and other renewable resources for nonwasteful subsistence uses by local rural residents. Stipulates that restrictions on the taking of populations of fish and wildlife on such lands for subsistence uses in order to protect the continued viability of such populations, or to continue such uses, shall be based on: (1) customary and direct dependence upon the populations as the mainstay of livelihood; (2) local residency; and (3) the availability of alternative resources. Directs the Secretary, if the State fails to do so, to establish: (1) at least seven Alaska subsistence resource regions which, taken together, include all public lands; (2) such local advisory committees within each region, as necessary, based upon a finding that the existing State fish and game advisory committees do not adequately assist in the preparation of the reports required of the regional councils; and (3) a regional advisory council in each subsistence region, to be composed of residents of the affected region. Sets forth the duties of such regional councils in regard to subsistence uses of fish and wildlife within the regions, including the preparation of annual reports to the Secretary. Requires that such reports contain identifications, evaluations and recommended strategies for the management of fish and wildlife populations within the regions, as well as recommendations concerning policies, standards, guidelines, and regulations to implement such strategies. Directs the Secretary to follow the advice of such councils unless he determines in writing that such advice is not supported by substantial evidence, violates recognized principles of fish and wildlife conservation, or would be detrimental to the satisfaction of subsistence needs. Directs the Secretary to take certain administrative action if it is determined that the program or implementation is not in compliance with this Act. Gives the Secretary authority to close public areas to all consumptive uses except subsistence uses by local residents. Sets forth procedures for hearings and appeal by the State. Gives the Secretary emergency authority to temporarily close any public land to subsistence uses if necessary for public safety, administration, or to insure the natural stability and continued productivity of one or more fish or wildlife populations. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements or to otherwise cooperate with other Federal agencies, the State of Alaska, Native Corporations, and other appropriate persons and organizations, (including, through coordination with the Secretary of State, other nations) in order to protect subsistence resources and uses. Prohibits the appropriate Federal agency from withdrawal, reservation, lease, permit, or other use, occupancy or disposition of lands within their jurisdiction if the effect would be to significantly restrict the subsistence uses unless the head of the agency: (1) gives notice to the appropriate State agency, local committees and regional councils; (2) gives notice of, and holds, a hearing in the vicinity of the area involved; and (3) makes specific determinations regarding the purpose and the effect of the restriction. Directs the Secretary to insure the access to subsistence resources on public lands to persons engaged in subsistence uses. Directs the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service to undertake research on fish and wildlife subsistence activities on the public lands. Title VIII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire by purchase, donation, or exchange any lands within the boundaries of any conservation system unit. Stipulates that land owned by the State, a political subdivision or a Native Corporation may only by acquired with their consent. Sets forth administrative provisions relating to such acquisitions. Allows the Secretary to permit on conservation system units the use of snow machines, motorboats, airplanes, and nonmotorized transportation methods, subject to reasonable regulation. Directs the Secretary to authorize and permit temporary access by the State or a private landowner to any conservation system unit, the Alaskan National Petroleum Reserve, or public lands for the purposes of survey and geophysical study and adequate access State or privately owned land and valid mining claims. Removes certain restrictions from sections of the North Slope Haul Road. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire up to 7,500 acres of archaeological or paleontological sites outside of the Cape Krusenstern National Park, Bering Land Bridge National Park, Kobuk Valley National Park, and the Yukon-Charley Rivers National Park. Requires the Secretary, prior to acquiring any such property in excess of 100 acres to submit notice of the proposed acquisition to the appropriate committees of the Congress, and publish notice of such proposed acquisition in the Federal Register. Directs the Secretary to provide advice, assistance, and technical expertise to an applying Native Corporation or Native Group for the purpose of preserving cultural resources, without regard to whether title to such resources is in the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to establish an information and education center for visitors to Alaska, on no more than 1,000 acres of land adjacent to the Alaska Highway. Authorizes the Secretary to establish such centers in Anchorage and Fairbanks, and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish such a center in Juneau, Ketchikan, or Sitka. Sets forth provisions relating to program planning, construction, operation and administration of such centers. Authorizes the Secretary to establish administrative sites and visitor facilities within the conservation units, if compatible, or outside the units. Directs the Secretary to locate such sites and facilities on Native lands where practicable and desirable. Sets forth the authorities of the Secretary in regard to establishing such sites and facilities. Directs the Secretary, under reasonable terms, to permit a person who on or before January 1, 1979, was adequately providing any type of visitor service to a conservation system unit, to continue providing the services if they are consistent with the purposes of the unit. Requires that the Secretary, in selecting persons to provide visitor services, give preference to Native Corporations most directly affected by the conservation system unit, and local residents. Directs the Secretary to establish a local-hire program, under which the Secretary will consider for selection qualified local residents to positions in any of the units, without regard to civil service regulations which require minimum periods of formal training or experience, other preference provisions, or numerical limitations on personnel. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports and recommendations to Congress on such program. Requires the Secretary to prepare detailed management plans for national park and wildlife refuge units and submit them to Congress within five years of the date of enactment of this Act. Sets forth requirements for such plans, factors which must be considered, public hearings requirements, and requirements for reports to the appropriate committees of Congress. Closes all areas of the National Park System in Alaska to the taking of fish and wildlife, except for authorized subsistence use, fishing, and sport hunting as the Secretary may permit within national preserves. Stipulates that other conservation units will be subject to applicable Federal and State law. Requires that the boundary maps described in this Act shall be on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Secretary of Interior and Secretary of Agriculture. Specifies that in the event of discrepancies between the acreages stated in this Act and those depicted on such maps, the maps shall be controlling. Prohibits the boundaries of areas added to the national systems to extend beyond the mean high tide line to include lands owned by the State unless the State concurs. Directs that a map and legal description of each change in land management status effected by this Act be published in the Federal Register and filed with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate, and that each such description shall have the same force as if included in this Act. Directs that the Secretary shall make each such map and description available for public inspection. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to make minor adjustments in the boundaries or areas added to or established by this Act, as appropriate, following reasonable notice in writing to Congress. Permits reasonable access to and operation and maintenance of existing air and navigation aids and facilities for weather, climate, and fisheries research and monitoring in accordance with applicable law. Authorizes reasonable access to and operation and maintenance of, existing facilities for national defense purposes, notwithstanding any other provision of this Act. Permits the establishment of new facilities for national defense purposes within any conservation unit after consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture by the head of the applicable Federal department, in accordance with terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed in order to minimize the adverse effects within such unit. Amends the Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park to provide that lands owned by the State or any political subdivision may be acquired by exchange or donation and that the State may include minerals in any such transaction. Withdraws all public lands within a specified area near the Denali National Park from all forms of entry or appropriation under the mining laws and from operation of mineral leasing laws of the United States, for the purpose of establishing Denali Scenic Highway. Directs the Secretary to study the desirability of establishing a Denali Scenic Highway and within three years after the date of enactment to report to the President, who shall advise the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of any legislation to create such a scenic highway (if so recommended). Stipulates that a holder of a permit to use any conservation system shall be strictly liable for damage to any lands, fish, wildlife or other renewable resource, unless such damage was caused by an act of war or the negligence of the United States. Limits damages for such strict liability to $50,000,000 for any one incident. Exempts the State from strict liability. Withdraws all public lands within the conservation system units in Alaska, subject to valid existing rights, from the mining and mineral leasing laws of the United States. Directs any holder of a valid existing mineral claim or lease to exercise their rights in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary to assure such activities are compatible with the conservation unit. Denies valid lease status to certain noncompetitive oil and gas leases. Allows any holder of a mining claim who feels he has suffered loss to bring an action against the United States in the U.S. District Court for Alaska. Directs the Secretary to assess the oil, gas, and other mineral potential on all public lands in the State of Alaska in order to expand the data base with respect to mineral potential of such lands. Title IX: Improvements in Administration of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act - Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to cancel all stock issued previous to December 18, 1991, and to issue shares of appropriate class stock to each stockholder. Makes further provisions for permissible restrictions on stockholders; amendments to the articles of incorporation; and stock alienation, annual audits, and transfer of stock ownership. Includes provisions for: (1) the Secretary waiving the whole section requirement at the request of a Village Corporation in certain specified situations; (2) the selection of land by Regional Corporations where the public lands consist only of the mineral estates; (3) the conveyance of title to the Federal or State Government or the proper municipal corporation to the surface estate for existing airport sites; and (4) the conveyance of fee title of existing cemetery and historical places to the appropriate Regional Corporation. Dissentitles any Regional Corporation which asserts a claim with the Secretary to certain subsurface estate of lands selected under such Act which are in a Wildlife Refuge, to any in lieu surface or subsurface estate. Requires that any such claim must be asserted within 180 days after enactment. Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to exempt from Federal, State, and local taxation the receipt of land or any interest pursuant to this Act to equalize the values of properties. Stipulates the manner to determine the taxable basis of such interests for the purpose of future taxable dispositions. Exempts from taxation real property interests conveyed pursuant to this Act to a Native individual or Native Corporation which are not developed or leased to third parties. States that fire protection of Native land provided by the Department of the Interior shall cover "wildland." Makes provisions for the conveyance of real property by a Village Corporation to a shareholder of such Corporation to provide homesites. Authorizes the Secretary to withdraw twice the amount of unfulfilled entitlement where lands selected and conveyed to a Village Corporation is insufficient to fulfill the Corporation's entitlement. Withdraws from further entry all lands located in patented townsites or which are the subject of an application for patent on the date of enactment of this Act. Provides for the conveyance of unoccupied townsite lands. Requires the Secretary to act on any pending townsite entry and to issue patent, if appropriate, to the townsite trustee. Approves Alaska Native allotment applications which were pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, and which describe land that was unreserved on December 13, 1968, except when provided otherwise by the applicable provisions of this Act. Makes exceptions to such approval for: (1) allotment applications describing land within the boundaries of a conservation system unit established before or by this Act and the described land not withdrawn; (2) allotment applications describing land patented or deeded to the State of Alaska, or land selected by, or tentatively approved or confirmed to the State of Alaska as of December 18, 1971 and not withdrawn; (3) allotment applications where a Native Corporation files a protest stating the applicant is not entitled and the land is withdrawn for selection by the Corporation; (4) allotment applications where the State of Alaska files a protest stating the land in the allotment application is necessary for access to public lands; (5) allotment applications where a person or entity files a protest and the land is a situs of an improvement by that person or entity; and (6) an allotment application that was pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, which was knowingly and voluntarily relinquished by the applicant. Sets forth procedures for the Secretary to adjust descriptions of lands in allotment applications to eliminate conflicts. Allows the allotment applicant to amend the land description in the allotment if such description describes land that the applicant did not intend to claim. Directs the Secretary to notify the State and all interested parties of such intended correction and gives parties an opportunity to file a protest. Deems vacant, unappropriated and unreserved land described in an allotment application pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, which was at such time withdrawn, reserved, or classified for powersite or power-project purposes unless the described land is included as part of a project under the Federal Power Act or is presently utilized for purposes of transmitting or generating electrical power. Reserves such land to be alloted subject to a right or reentry for a 20-year period after the effective date of this Act. Directs the Secretary to identify and adjudicate any record entry or application for title made under an Act other than the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, the Alaska Statehood Act, or the Act of May 17, 1906, prior to issuing a certificate for an allotment subject to this Act. Directs the Secretary to determine whether such entry or application represents a valid existing right. Disallows the affecting of existing rights acquired by actual use of the described lands prior to its withdrawal or classification. Sets forth fiscal year adjustments for appropriation of funds. Directs the Secretary to pay by grant to each of the Native Group Corporations $50,000 to $100,000 depending on the population of each group, to be used for planning, development, and other authorized purposes. Subjects the decisions made by the Secretary under this title or the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to judicial review only if an action is initiated before a court of competent jurisdiction within two years after the Secretary's decision has become final and after the party seeking review has exhausted any administrative appeal rights. Subjects the decisions made by a Village Corporation to reconvey land under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to judicial review only if the action is initiated before a court of competent jurisdiction within one year after the date of the filing of the map of the boundaries under applicable law.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Makes every resident of the United States, and every nonresident citizen when in the United States, eligible for covered services. Authorizes the Health Security Board to enter into reciprocal agreements for coverage of (1) nonresident aliens when in the United States, and (2) U.S. citizens residing abroad. Entitles every eligible person to have payment made by the Health Security Board for any covered service provided within the United States by a participating provider, if such service is necessary or appropriate for the maintenance of health or for the diagnosis or treatment of, or rehabilitation following, injury, disability, or disease. Extends coverage to: (1) professional physician services, wherever furnished, including primary and specialized services, and psychiatric services to outpatients under specified conditions; (2) dental services, including preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic services (exclusive of most orthodontic services), for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing annually by two years until all persons under age 25 are covered; (3) institutional services, including inpatient and outpatient hospital services, skilled nursing home services, the services of home health service agencies, and other necessary services, including pathology and radiology services, with specified limitations; and (4) pharmaceutical benefits, including two categories of drug use: (A) prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals, or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations; and (B) drugs necessary for the treatment of certain chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive drug therapy. Directs the Board to establish, disseminate, and review annually: (1) a list of drugs for use in participating institutions, organizations, and associations; (2) a list of diseases and drugs for use outside such organizational settings, which shall include drug therapy for chronic conditions; and (3) lists of therapeutic devices, appliances, and equipment (including eyeglasses, hearing aids, and prosthetic appliances), and the conditions under which such items are covered benefits. Requires drugs to be listed by their established names as defined in the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and also, to the extent the Board deems appropriate, by trade names. Extends coverage to other professional and supporting services, including: (1) the professional services of optometrists and podiatrists; (2) diagnostic and therapeutic services of independent pathology laboratories and radiology services; (3) mental health day care services under specified conditions; (4) alcoholism and drug abuse treatment in free-standing ambulatory centers; (5) family planning and rehabilitation services in certain free-standing centers; (6) emergency and nonemergency transportation services which are essential to overcome problems of access to covered services; and (7) other supporting services, such as psychological, physiotherapy, nutrition, social work, or health education services, which are furnished on behalf of certain approved organizations. Excludes from coverage: (1) health services furnished or paid for under Federal or State workmen's compensation laws; (2) primary or secondary school health services to the extent specified by regulation; (3) cosmetic surgery; (4) the furnishing of unapproved drugs and appliances; (5) certain medical or surgical procedures which the Board finds are experimental or too costly or scarce to provide on a nationwide basis; (6) certain services which are already furnished or available from another provider; and (7) services of a professional practitioner which are furnished in a non-participating hospital. Makes professional practitioners who are licensed on the effective date of enactment of this title eligible providers, but requires practitioners after such date to meet national standards established by the Board in addition to existing State standards. Specifies general eligibility requirements for participating providers, including the filing with the Board of an agreement (1) not to discriminate in providing services to eligible persons; (2) not to make unauthorized charges; and (3) to comply with reporting requirements. Sets forth specific eligibility requirements for various types of participating providers, including (1) general and psychiatric hospitals; (2) skilled nursing homes; (3) home health service agencies; (4) group practice organizations; (5) individual practice associations; and (6) other health service organizations and providers, including independent pathology laboratories and radiological services, ambulance services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, and equipment. Sets forth criteria for the utilization review of hospitals and skilled nursing homes. Requires such homes to have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as appropriate. Limits the eligibility of providers operating newly constructed or enlarged facilities which are unnecessary for the furnishing of adequate services. Prohibits damages in malpractice judgments to be awarded for the cost of remedial services which the injured party is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes institutions and employees of the Department of Defense, Veterans Administration, and institutions and employees of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen, Indians, or Alaskan Natives, from serving as participating providers, but allows reimbursement for services furnished by such institutions to eligible persons who are not part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist licensed in one State, and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State. Grants similar authority to other professional and nonprofessional health personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Directs the Board to fix for each fiscal year the maximum amount which may be obligated for expenditure from the trust fund, subject to a ceiling determined by specified formulas. Establishes in the Trust Fund a health services account, a health resources development account, an administration account, and a residual general account. Provides for the allocation of the health services account among the regions of the country, based on the aggregate expenditures for covered services in each region during the most recent 12-month period, and: (1) adjusted to reflect changes in the consumer price index and the expected numbers of eligible beneficiaries and participating providers; and (2) modified by the Board to reduce inequalities in per capita expenditures, to the extent that the quality of services are unimpaired. Directs the Board to divide for each fiscal year the allocation to each region into available funds to pay: (1) institutional services, (2) physician services, (3) dental services, (4) the furnishing of drugs, (5) the furnishing of devices, appliances, and equipment, and (6) other professional and miscellaneous services. Directs the Board to allot such funds among the health service areas established in each region under this title. Provides that payments for covered services furnished to eligible persons by participating providers shall be made from the health services account in the Trust Fund. Sets forth specific payment requirements for the various types of participating providers. Entitles every independent professional practitioner to elect to be paid by the fee-for-service method. Entitles every independent practitioner in the general practice of medicine, and every dentist furnishing covered dental services, to elect to be paid by the capitation method upon the filing of an agreement with the Board. Authorizes the Board to pay independent practitioners full-time or part-time stipends instead of, or in addition to, these methods of compensation. Allows the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement which do not increase service costs or encourage the overutilization or underutilization of services. Provides that hospitals, skilled nursing homes, and home health service agencies shall be paid approved operating costs as set forth in an annual budget approved by the Board. Provides that health organizations shall be paid for covered services by the capitation method. Directs the Board to determine from time to time a maximum price for the cost of a drug to a provider. States that payments for a drug furnished by an independent pharmacy shall consist of its cost to the pharmacy, not to exceed the maximum price, plus a dispensing fee, which shall be established by the Board after consultation with representatives of the pharmaceutical profession. Provides for the reduction of payments to providers for unnecessary capital expenditures. Authorizes the Board to: (1) assist in the establishment, expansion, and operation of group practice organizations, other public or nonprofit health service agencies, and nonprofit organizations furnishing comprehensive dental services; and (2) provide for the recruitment, education, and training of needed health personnel, including practitioners who will agree to practice in urban or rural areas of acute shortage. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services; and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care, to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Authorizes grants for the development and conduct of programs of personal care services. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of the health services development fund. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for the administration of the Health Security Program. Establishes a five-member, full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Board and the Secretary with respect to this title and the provision of comprehensive health care. Provides that this title shall be administered by the Board through the regions of the Department and, within each region, through health service areas, which shall be the same as those areas established by the Secretary under the Public Health Service Act. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Directs the Advisory Council to advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Directs the Board to appoint regional and local advisory councils for each region and each health service area. Provides for the participation of appropriate State agencies in the administration of the Health Security program. Specifies responsibilities of the Board, including: (1) informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program; (2) making a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including the adequacy, quality, and costs of services; (3) making detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; (4) developing and testing records and information retrieval systems; (5) developing, in collaboration with the pharmaceutical profession, improved administrative practices for the reimbursement of independent pharmacies; and (6) developing and testing incentive systems for improving the quality of care, and methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances. Directs the Board to make evaluations and issue guidelines with respect to health manpower education and training. Requires the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of: (1) entitlement to benefits; (2) who are participating providers; (3) whether services are covered; and (4) amounts to be paid to providers. Entitles a provider or other aggrieved person to an administrative appeal from such determinations, and authorizes judicial review of a final decision. Sets forth procedures for the suspension or termination of participating providers. Authorizes the Board to issue to any participating provider, other than an individual professional provider, a directive with respect to the discontinuous of services for the purpose of payment, or the initiation of covered services. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Directs the Board to establish reasonable continuing education requirements for physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Sets forth conditions under which major surgery and other specialized services designated in regulations are covered under this program. Authorizes the Board, on recommendation of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to contract with Professional Standards Review Organizations to monitor the quality of institutional and other services. Establishes the positions of a Deputy Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of this title. Stipulates that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to one percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, raising the rate to 2.5 percent. Adds a new 2.5 percent tax on health security unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibilities of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under this Act; and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board appropriate findings and recommendations. Directs the Commission to give special consideration to care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Makes conforming and technical amendments to specified Acts. Repeals the Medicare program. Stipulates that after the effective date of benefits received under this Act no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to study the practicability of extending the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary to study the means of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen and Indians and Alaskan Natives, veterans, and members of the Armed Forces with the Health Security benefit program.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1978
Title I: Public Employee Retirement Income Security - Public Employee Retirement Income Security Act - Requires administrators of pension plans which are (A) not excepted by this Act or otherwise covered under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and (B) established and maintained for the benefit of the employees of any State government or political subdivision, to provide the following information to plan participants and beneficiaries: (1) a summary plan description which provides an accurate, comprehensive, and understandable summary of their rights and obligations; (2) a summary description of any material modification in the terms of the plan; and (3) upon written request, a statement which indicates the total accumulated contributions, pension benefits, and vesting status of the participant. Specifies the content of such summary plan description. Directs such administrators to provide to any participant or beneficiary who requests withdrawal of contributions, payment of benefits, or a benefit election, a written explanation of the effects of such action on remaining plan benefits. Requires such administrators to file with the Employee Benefit Administration (EBA) established by title II of this Act: (1) a copy of the summary plan description; and (2) an annual report. Specifies the content of such report, including a financial statement and schedule, an actuarial statement, information on terminated vested participants who are entitled to future benefits, and other information which the EBA may require. Directs the EBA to prescribe simplified annual reports for any plan which covers less than 100 participants. Allows the EBA, in certain circumstances, to prescribe alternative methods and to exempt any plan or person from the requirements of this Act. Requires pension plans covered by this Act to provide for one or more fiduciaries and to include: (1) any funding policy which has been established; (2) procedures for amendment and for the allocation of responsibility for the plan's operation and administration; and (3) benefit provisions. States that all assets shall be held in trust by one or more trustees. Prohibits persons who have been convicted of specified offenses from serving in certain capacities, including fiduciary and trustee, for specified periods. Provides that a fiduciary shall discharge his duties for the exclusive purpose of providing benefits to participants and their beneficiaries and defraying reasonable expenses of administering the plan, with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence that a prudent man would exercise in like circumstances. Requires a fiduciary to diversify the investments of the plan, except a plan which provides for individual accounts, so as to minimize the risk of large losses, unless under the circumstance it is clearly prudent not to do so. Prohibits a fiduciary from: (1) dealing with the assets of a plan for his own interest or account; (2) acting in any transaction involving the plan on behalf of a party adverse to the interest of the plan or participants; and (3) receiving personal consideration from any party dealing with the plan in connection with a plan transaction. Provides that a fiduciary shall not permit specified transactions with a party in interest for less than, or more than, adequate consideration, security, or a reasonable rate of interest. Limits acquisition by the plan of qualifying employer securities, loans, or real property to ten percent of the fair market value of the assets of the plan. Establishes personal liability for a fiduciary who breaches any of the responsibilities, obligations, or duties imposed by this Act. Sets forth circumstances in which a fiduciary shall be liable for a breach of fiduciary responsibility of another fiduciary with respect to the same plan. Requires trustees holding assets of a plan to use reasonable care to prevent a co-trustee from committing a breach and to jointly manage and control the assets, unless allocation of responsibility is authorized by the trust agreement. Makes a government employer liable in the event of a breach by a fiduciary who is one of its employees or officials, but allows subsequent recovery by such employer from such employee. Sets forth bonding requirements, with specified exceptions, for every fiduciary of a plan. States that no government official shall be a fiduciary or co-fiduciary with respect to actions taken in an official capacity. Establishes penalties for willful violation of the reporting, disclosure, and bonding requirements. Includes violations of this Act within existing criminal statutes involving theft, embezzlement, false statements, and racketeering with respect to ERISA. Provides for a good faith defense for criminal violations of certain provisions of this Act. Requires plans covered by this Act to establish a claims procedure which provides participants with a written explanation of benefit denials and a reasonable opportunity for a full and fair review. Allows a participant or beneficiary to bring a civil action in State or Federal court to recover benefits, enforce rights, or clarify rights to future benefits, or in Federal court for failure of an administrator to comply with a request for information as required by this Act. Authorizes a participant, beneficiary, fiduciary or the EBA to bring a civil action in Federal court for breach of fiduciary duty and to obtain equitable relief for violations of this Act. Sets forth provisions relating to jurisdiction, service of process, allowance of fees and costs, and civil penalties. Authorizes the EBA to make appropriate investigations to determine whether any person has, or is about to, violate any provision of this Act. Prohibits persons from taking retaliatory action against any plan participant or beneficiary for exercising any right to which he is entitled under this Act, or from interfering with or preventing the exercise of such rights. Amends the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to transmit to an individual, upon request, information which the Employee Benefit Administration holds relating to his terminated vested benefits. Establishes an Advisory Council on Governmental Plans to advise and make recommendations to the EBA with respect to its functions under this Act. Provides that any pension plan or trust forming part of a plan, which is subject to this Act, shall be deemed to have met the requirements for a tax qualified plan or trust in the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. Title II: Employee Benefit Administration - Employee Benefit Administration Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to establish, within one year of enactment, an independent Employee Benefit Administration (EBA) which may, in the discretion of the President, be within any department or agency of the United States. Transfers the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation from the Department of Labor to the EBA. Establishes within the offices of the Secretary of Labor and Secretary of the Treasury the positions of special liaison officers to the Administration. Authorizes the EBA to administer all provisions of the Public Employee Retirement Income Security Act. Directs the President to transfer to and vest in the Board of Directors of the EBA: (1) the functions and duties of the Secretary of Labor under titles I and II of ERISA; (2) such functions and duties of the Secretary of the Treasury under titles I and II of ERISA and under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, relating to employee benefit and governmental plans, as the President shall designate, including all functions relating to the qualification and disqualification of employee benefit and governmental plans; and (3) such other functions and duties of departments and agencies, relating to employee benefit and governmental plans, as the President may designate.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1978
Expresses the sense of the Congress that a child care center should be established on Capitol Hill for the children of employees of the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Library of Congress, and the Supreme Court.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1978
Presidential Records Act - States that the United States shall reserve and retain complete ownership, possession, and control of all Presidential records. Requires the President to assure that the performance of official Presidential duties is adequately documented and that documentary materials be appropriately maintained. Permits the President to dispose only of such records which have no administrative, historical, informational, or evidentiary value if: (1) the President obtains the views, in writing, of the Archivist of the United States concerning the proposed disposal schedule of such records; (2) copies of such schedule and the Archivist's views are submitted to Congress at least 60 days in advance of the proposed disposal; and (3) the President receives notification that the Archivist does not intend to consult with Congress on the disposal of such records. Directs the Archivist to consult with Congress on the disposal of such records when such a consultation is in the public interest or when the records to be disposed of may be of special interest to Congress. Requires the Archivist to assume custody, control, and preservation of and access to the records of a President upon the conclusion of the President's term of office. Requires the Archivist to place such records in a Presidential archival depository or another archival facility operated by the United States. Authorizes the Archivist to designate, after consultation with the President, a director for each depository or facility. Permits restrictions on access to Presidential records for up to 12 years if such documents have been validly classified as secret, relate to a Federal appointment, certain trade secrets or other commercial information obtained under privileged circumstances, consist of confidential communications requesting or submitting advice between the President and his advisers or between advisers, or contain personal information, disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. Establishes limits on the duration of the restriction of disclosure of Presidential records. Subjects Presidential records to subpena or other judicial process for the purposes of any civil or criminal investigation or proceeding. States that such records shall be available to an incumbent President and to either House of Congress. Makes the records of a former President available to such former President or the designated representative of such former President. Applies all provisions of this Act to Vice-Presidential, as well as Presidential records.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1978
Directs the Administrator of the General Services Administration to submit to Congress a study on the restoration of the Pension Building in the District of Columbia to house the Museum of the Building Arts. Requests the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts and the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institute to report to Congress by January 1, 1979 on the feasibility of operating such a museum.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1978
Expresses the concern of Congress for the safety of the residents of the South African black community known as "Crossroads." Urges the South African Government: (1) to reconsider its plan to destroy Crossroads; and (2) to recognize the right of the residents to continue to live in Crossroads.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1978
Court Interpreters Act - Establishes, through the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, a program to: (1) compile and make available lists of qualified interpreters for non-English speakers and hearing impaired persons (whether or not also speech impaired) and; (2) provide the services of such interpreters free in criminal actions and civil actions initiated by the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 August 1978
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that each State shall have at least one very high frequency commercial television station located within the State.
United States · United States Congress · 16 August 1978
Directs the Civil Aeronautics Board to immediately dissolve the Airlines Mutual Aid Pact. Directs the Board to study the collective bargaining process within the airline industry and to make recommendations to Congress within six months on methods of alleviating the occurrence of protracted airline strikes.
United States · United States Congress · 15 August 1978
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that each State shall have at least one very high frequency commercial television station located within the State.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1978
States that the Territory of American Samoa shall be represented in the United States Congress by a nonvoting delegate to the House of Representatives. Sets forth the procedure for the election of such delegate.
United States · United States Congress · 8 August 1978
Department of Education Organization Act - Title I: Findings and Purpose - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to: (1) promote the quality of education; (2) enable the Federal Government to more effectively coordinate its education activities; and (3) prohibit Federal control of education. Title II: Establishment of the Department - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education, with a Secretary of Education as its head. Establishes within such Department: (1) an Office of Inspector General; (2) a General Counsel; (3) a research and development office; (4) an elementary and secondary education office; (5) a postsecondary education office; (6) an Office for Civil Rights; and (7) an overseas dependents office. Establishes an Intergovernmental Advisory Council on Education. Establishes a Federal Interagency Committee on Education to assure effective coordination of Federal programs affecting education. Title III: Transfers of Functions - Transfers to the Secretary of Education specified functions of the (1) Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; (2) Department of Defense; (3) Department of Justice; and (4) Department of Housing and Urban Development. Title IV: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth the authority of the Secretary of Education. Authorizes to be appropriated such funds as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Title V: Transitional, Savings, and Conforming Provisions - Redesignates the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare as the Department of Health and Welfare, and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare as the Secretary of Health and Welfare. Title VI: Effective Date and Interim Appointments - Sets out the effective date of this Act. Authorizes the President of the United States to make initial interim appointments to the Department of Education under specified conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1978
Amateur Sports Act - Title I: Declaration of Policy - Makes findings and states that the policy of Congress is to promote amateur athletics and protect the right of amateur athletes to participate in athletic competition. Title II: Olympic Committee Reorganization - Amends the corporate charter of the Olympic Committee to (1) provide for a principal place of business of the United States Olympic Committee (Corporation); (2) set forth the objectives and purposes of the Corporation; (3) set forth the powers of the Corporation; (4) provide reasonable representation for specified individuals and organizations in establishing and maintaining provisions for the governance and conduct of its affairs; and (5) subject to civil liability any person who uses an Olympic designation without authority to promote a private financial interest. Permits contributors or suppliers of goods or services to use the name of the United States Olympic Committee or its designation to advertise that such goods or services have been furnished to, approved, or selected by the Corporation. Requires the Corporation to establish in its constitution and bylaws provisions for the resolution of disputes involving the opportunity of an amateur athlete or other specified individuals to participate in sanctioned athletic competitions. Authorizes the Corporation to recognize as a national governing body any amateur sports organization (but only one for each sport) which submits an application for recognition and complies with eligibility requirements. Sets forth such eligibility requirements. Sets forth the duties and powers of a national governing body and the requirements which an amateur sports organization must meet to hold an athletic competition or sponsor athletes in competition and be sanctioned by a national governing body. Grants to the Corporation the power of review over the actions of any national governing body and invests a United States district court with jurisdiction to enjoin any action of a national governing body inconsistent with the terms of the Corporate charter. Sets forth procedures for the Corporation in (1) processing a complaint against a national governing body by an individual athlete or an amateur sports organization; (2) revoking recognition of a national governing body; and (3) replacing an incumbent national governing body. Provides for arbitration of a determination of the Corporation. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to lend financial assistance to the Corporation in developing amateur athletics in the United States. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out the work of the national governing bodies. Directs the Secretary to conduct a feasibility study to determine the most appropriate means of providing funding to the Corporation for the construction and operation of training centers and sports medicine research facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1978
Makes available the contingent fund of the House of Representatives to pay the reasonable expenses of sending or transporting the official records and papers of any Member of the House of Representatives from the District of Columbia to any location designated by such Member in the district represented by the Member. Directs the Clerk of the House of provide for the most economical means of transportation for such documents to insure the orderly and timely delivery to the specified location.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1978
Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act - Requires a report to the Secretary of Agriculture, containing legal name, address, citizenship, type of interest, and legal description of the land involved, and other specified information, from any foreign person (including individuals, organizations, governments, or any combination thereof) who holds, acquires, or transfers any interest, other than a security interest, in agricultural land. Establishes a civil penalty for violation of any provision of this Act in an amount not to exceed 25 percent of the fair market value of the land interest involved on the date of the penalty assessment. Requires the Secretary to report to the President and to Congress an analysis of the information obtained by him pursuant to this Act, and a determination of the effects of foreign holdings, acquisitions, and transfers on family farms and rural communities.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt taxpayers from the payment of interest or a penalty on tax deficiencies attributable to erroneous advice obtained in writing from an Internal Revenue Service Officer or employee acting in an official capacity.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1978
Asbestos-Related Disease Screening Act - Requires the Secretary of Labor to make contracts and grants to reimburse public and private organizations for the reasonable cost of providing screening for asbestos-related diseases to individuals employed in occupations involving exposure to asbestos to a degree which carries with it a significant risk of developing an asbestos-related disease. Requires the Secretary to provide for a program under which any individual at risk is reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in the individual's screening. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Secretary to periodically report to Congress concerning this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Thompson, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/t000200_200.jpg)